SECOND GROUP OF PARTSProvisions applying to sentencing courts generally

PART 4Exercise of court's discretion

CHAPTER 3Seriousness and determining sentence

Aggravating factors

I1C169Terrorist connection

1

This section applies where a court is considering the seriousness of an offence specified in Schedule 1 (offences where terrorist connection to be considered).

2

If the offence has a terrorist connection, the court—

a

must treat that fact as an aggravating factor, and

b

must state in open court that the offence is so aggravated.

3

For the purposes of this section, an offence has a terrorist connection if the offence—

a

is, or takes place in the course of, an act of terrorism, or

b

is committed for the purposes of terrorism.

For this purpose, “terrorism” has the same meaning as in the Terrorism Act 2000 (see section 1 of that Act).